Lake Baikal's top three summertime festivals

Summertime in Siberia is rich in outdoor events. It's no wonder. The weather is excellent, and the people are eager to spend most of their time outside. If you travel to Baikal during the summertime, you can join the locals and visit the top three summertime festivals on Lake Baikal.

The Strawberry Festival

The Strawberry Festival in the town of Baikalsk is a yearly event that happens on the shores of Lake Baikal. It attracts thousands of people from nearby cities and villages who come to the lake to eat plenty of fresh and ripe Baikal strawberries. The locals also consider it to be the perfect time to buy this fruit and make delicious strawberry jam for the winter. Local tip: go to the festival to eat the berries but also buy it in bulk to keep in your fridge for later.

The Strawberry Festival is not only about feasting on berries, but it is also a chance to enjoy some cultural events. There is a yearly contest in Baikalsk where girls participate to win the title of “The Best Strawberry Girl”. The festival has a strawberry pie tasting too! The pie, which every year becomes more massive to satisfy all the guests, is a typical Siberian delight to try during the festival! Insider's tip: try the black strawberries and the ones called "Victoria" by the locals.

Strawberry Festival, Baikalsk

Rechnaya Ulitsa, 5А, Байкальск (Слюдянский), Irkutskaya oblast', Russia, 665932

Classical music festival: The Stars on Baikal

This festival, known in Siberia as the “Stars on Baikal”, is a yearly international event of classical music at Lake Baikal. The festival was first organized in 2004 by Denis Matsuev, who was the then head of the Irkutsk Musical Theater. There are usually lots of performances of local and foreign musicians, workshops and contests for the young talented children. The best place to visit to participate in the festival is the Irkutsk Musical Theater!

The Stars on Baikal Festival, Irkutsk

Sedova St, 29, Irkutsk, Irkutskaya oblast', Russia

Yes! It's Food, the Gourmet Festival!

The last summer weekend is dedicated to the “Yes! It's Food Festival", which happens in many cities in Russia now. You can also participate in it while being in Irkutsk. Just visit the Youth Island. 

Yes! It's Food, the gourmet festival, Irkutsk

Ulitsa Yunost' Ostrov, 1, Irkutsk, Irkutskaya oblast', Russia, 664003

The concept of this festival is showing the gastronomy of the countries from Asia to both Americas. There are usually more than forty thousand people participating in it. Many local restaurants and cafes try to present their meals to the public. If you happen to be at the festival, try various cocktails, have a bite of Siberian and international cuisine, and see how new technologies help cooking the exciting meals! “Yes! It's Food” is the most expected and famous food festival in Russia! Don't hesitate to visit it! The best place to enjoy all the delicacies is to come to the Youth Island in Irkutsk in the early morning. 

No matter which activities you plan for your summertime in Siberia, don't miss these top three summertime festivals on Lake Baikal!